Welcoming Immigrants & Refugees

Immigration is not new to Saskatoon and has played an important role throughout its history. Immigration brings unique cultures, hopes and dreams, while adding harmony, diversity and vitality to our fine city.

Immigrants are people who have chosen to settle permanently in Canada; while refugees are people who are forced to flee their home country, in search of freedom, peace and safety for themselves and their families. Both make significant contributions to the social, economic and cultural landscape of Saskatoon.

Newcomer Settlement Organizations

There are a number of organizations in Saskatoon which offer different services to newcomers. The four main immigrant-serving organizations are:

Global Gathering Place (GGP) >
International Women of Saskatoon (IWS) >
Saskatchewan Intercultural Association (SIA) >
Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) >

Download a copy of the  New to Saskatoon - A Guide to Community Resources and Services map for a handy guide to newcomer services in Saskatoon.  

City of Saskatoon Programs & Services

Saskatoon Public Library

The Saskatoon Public Library offers many programs and services for newcomers. Visit one of the nine branches for a library tour, receive materials to learn English or book a one-on-one computer tutorial. Saskatoon Public Libraries offer multilingual and dual language books and eBooks for adults and children as well as subscriptions to electronic newspapers and magazines from around the world in over 60 languages. Some locations even host conversation circles and English and an Additional Language (EAL) book clubs. Find out more at saskatoonlibrary.ca > .

Recreation Facilities & Programs

The City of Saskatoon operates six indoor Leisure Centres > located throughout the city. Each Leisure Centre is unique and feature activities like swimming pools, waterslides, indoor tracks, gymnasiums, sport courts, fitness and weight rooms, child minding and even a wave pool. 

The City also operates several seasonal facilities like golf courses > and outdoor pools > , which are open in the summer, and skating rinks > and cross-country ski trails >, which operate in the winter.  Plus, there are great family-friendly attractions such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park >. 

Neighbourhood Community Associations offer low cost sport, culture and recreation programs throughout the year for community residents. Taking part in these activities is a wonderful way to learn, keep active and meet people in your new neighbourhood! Check out our list of Community Associations and their activities.

The City of Saskatoon publishes a seasonal Leisure Guide, which lists a variety of sport, culture and recreation programs and activities offered by the City, as well as activities offered by other organizations. See our most recent Leisure Guide.

Saskatoon Transit

Saskatoon Transit provides cost-effective, safe and affordable public transit services using clean and environmentally friendly equipment enabling residents to access work, education, health care, shopping, social and recreational opportunities. 

Visit Saskatoon Transit > for more information on bus schedules and to plan your trip.

Saskatoon Fire

Saskatoon Fire Department is committed to protecting life, property and the environment by serving residents of Saskatoon 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Nine fire stations are located throughout Saskatoon to provide quick response to a variety of incidents including: 

• Fires  
• Emergency Medical Incidents  
• Motor Vehicle Collisions and Entrapment 
• Hazardous Materials Releases 
• Technical and Specialized Rescue  
• Public Hazards 
• Public Assists 

Visit Saskatoon Fire Department> to learn more about life and fire safety in Saskatoon.

Other Immigration Websites

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Government of Saskatchewan Immigration
Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement & Integration Agencies (SAISIA) >